iFast
When Courage is Needed – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Esther 4:4-15

Key Verse: Esther 4:16

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

It was a crisis day for Queen Esther.  The king had picked her, not knowing that she had a Jewish heritage.  Because of the hatred of the Jews, there was a plot being planned to destroy them from the face of the earth.  Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, had discovered this plot and put on sackcloth and ashes, going into the city wailing loudly and bitterly.  When the queen found out about the reasons for Mordecai’s misery, she understood why God had been working in her life that she found favor with the king.  Even so, going before the king without being summoned meant instant death, according to the law of this pagan land.

          Esther knew that she needed to approach the king in behalf of the Jews but she needed courage.  What did she do to gain wisdom and courage?  She asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in that area and fast for her.  They were not to eat or drink for three days as they sought God’s favor.  They knew if Esther’s courage failed, they would soon all be annihilated.

          Esther’s courage did not fail and God went before her, and the king not only allowed her to speak but stopped the plot against the Jewish people.  What do you do when you need courage?  Most of us will face a real crisis in our lives where, unless God intercedes, we are in deep trouble.  Fasting is a biblical answer for such times.  (Continued)

Father, I know my courage will fail if you do not help me!  With fasting, I will seek your favor and believe I will have sufficient courage.  In Jesus’ name, amen.